EP3228017A1 - Communications bidirectionnelles sur un système de distribution en réseau secondaire électrique - Google Patents

Communications bidirectionnelles sur un système de distribution en réseau secondaire électrique

Info

Publication number
EP3228017A1
EP3228017A1 EP15865305.5A EP15865305A EP3228017A1 EP 3228017 A1 EP3228017 A1 EP 3228017A1 EP 15865305 A EP15865305 A EP 15865305A EP 3228017 A1 EP3228017 A1 EP 3228017A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
message
distribution system
node control
networked distribution
secondary networked
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15865305.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3228017A4 (fr
Inventor
Henrik F. Bernheim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TRC Companies Inc
Dominion Energy Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Astrolink International LLC
Dominion Energy Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies Inc filed Critical Astrolink International LLC
Publication of EP3228017A1 publication Critical patent/EP3228017A1/fr
Publication of EP3228017A4 publication Critical patent/EP3228017A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
    • G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
    • H02J13/0079—
    • H02J13/0086—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H04B3/56—Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals

Definitions

  • the embodiments relate generally to electrical distribution systems and, in particular, to bi-directional communications on an electrical secondary networked distribution system.
  • Electrical power is typically delivered over transmission lines to one or more primary distribution systems.
  • the voltage on a primary distribution system is lower than the voltage on the transmission lines.
  • the voltage on the transmission lines may be between 138 kiloVolts (kV) and 765 kV, and the voltage on the primary distribution system may be between about 2 kV and 35 kV.
  • the primary distribution system delivers the electrical power to one or more secondary distribution systems.
  • the secondary distribution systems are at a lower voltage than the primary distribution system.
  • the voltage on a secondary distribution system may be below about 2 kV.
  • a networked distribution system is more costly than a radial distribution system but offers high reliability because multiple feeders from the primary distribution system provide redundant electrical power to each consumer on the secondary networked distribution system. If one feeder goes down, the consumers continue to receive power provided by the other feeder. In dense urban metropolitan areas, secondary networked distribution systems are commonly used so that large numbers of consumers are not negatively impacted should a feeder go down.
  • ECOM electrical control or monitoring
  • protection devices such as protection devices, switch devices, and electrical transformation devices
  • electrical control or monitoring devices such as protection devices, switch devices, and electrical transformation devices
  • the embodiments relate to bi-directional communications on an electrical secondary networked distribution system.
  • the embodiments facilitate communications between an edge node control device coupled to a secondary networked distribution system and a plurality of internal node control devices coupled to the secondary networked distribution system.
  • the internal node control devices may be coupled to the secondary networked distribution system at locations where electrical control or monitoring is located.
  • the edge node control device receives a message from an off-grid interface and, based on the message, communicates an instruction over the secondary networked
  • the embodiments facilitate bi-directional communications without a need for relatively expensive equipment that is capable of communicating from high voltage lines to low voltage lines through a transformer, or communicating from low voltage lines to high voltage lines through a transformer, because all communications can occur within the secondary networked distribution system.
  • a method for communicating on a secondary networked distribution system includes receiving, by a first edge node control device (ENCD) via an off-grid communications interface, a message.
  • ENCD edge node control device
  • the first ENCD is communicatively coupled to the secondary networked distribution system, and the secondary networked distribution system provides electricity to a plurality of consuming endpoints.
  • the method further includes retransmitting, in response to receiving the message, by the first ENCD on the secondary networked distribution system, the message to a plurality of internal node control devices communicatively coupled to the secondary networked distribution system at a plurality of locations.
  • the first ENCD is located at a grid node, and the grid node houses an electrical control or monitoring (ECOM) device coupled to the secondary networked distribution system.
  • the first ENCD is communicatively coupled to the ECOM device and is configured to, in response to receiving the first message, send a signal to the ECOM device to cause the ECOM device to alter or monitor an electrical characteristic of the secondary networked
  • the ECOM device comprises one of a transformer, a switch, a fuse, or a monitoring device.
  • a plurality of ENCDs receive the message substantially concurrently, and the plurality of ENCDs retransmit, on the secondary networked distribution system, the message to the plurality of internal node control devices communicatively coupled to the secondary networked distribution system at the plurality of locations.
  • the method further includes determining that the plurality of internal node control devices received the message.
  • a system for communicating on a secondary networked distribution system includes an edge node control device that comprises an on-grid communications interface configured to be communicatively coupled to the secondary networked distribution system.
  • the secondary networked distribution system is configured to provide electricity to a plurality of consuming endpoints.
  • the edge node control device further includes an off-grid communications interface configured to communicate via an off-grid communications technology.
  • a processing device is communicatively coupled to the on grid-communications interface and the off-grid communications interface, and is configured to receive, via the off-grid communications interface, a message.
  • the processing device is further configured to, in response to receiving the message, retransmit on the secondary networked distribution system the message to a plurality of internal node control devices
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system in which embodiments may be practiced
  • Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for communicating on a secondary networked distribution system according to one embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a message layout of a message according to one embodiment.
  • Figures 4A - 4B are block diagrams illustrating a communication of messages on a secondary networked distribution system according to one embodiment
  • Figures 5A - 5C are block diagrams illustrating a store-and-forward communication of messages on a secondary networked distribution system according to another embodiment
  • Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining that edge node control devices (ENCDs) and internal node control devices (INCDs) have received a message according to one embodiment
  • Figures 7A - 7B are block diagrams illustrating a mechanism for determining that ENCDs and INCDs have received a message according to another embodiment
  • Figures 8A - 8B are block diagrams illustrating a mechanism for synchronizing actions among multiple INCDs according to one embodiment
  • Figure 9 is a block diagram of a computing device according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an edge node control device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • the embodiments relate to bi-directional communications on an electrical secondary networked distribution system.
  • the embodiments facilitate communications between an edge node control device coupled to a secondary networked distribution system and a plurality of internal node control devices coupled to the secondary networked distribution system.
  • the internal node control devices may be coupled to the secondary networked distribution system at locations where electrical control or monitoring are located.
  • the edge node control device receives from an off-grid interface a message and, based on the message, communicates an instruction over the secondary networked
  • the edge node control device determines that the one or more internal node control devices received the instruction.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 in which embodiments may be practiced.
  • the system 10 includes an electrical power primary distribution system 12 (hereinafter primary distribution system 12 for purposes of brevity) and an electrical power secondary networked distribution system 14 (hereinafter secondary networked distribution system 14 for purposes of brevity).
  • the primary distribution system 12 receives electrical power from an electrical power transmission system (not illustrated).
  • the primary distribution system 12 may distribute electricity at any desired voltage, but generally the primary distribution system 12 distributes electricity at a relatively high voltage of, by way of non- limiting example, between about 2kV and 35kV.
  • the primary distribution system 12 provides electricity to one or more secondary distribution systems, such as the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • the secondary networked distribution system 14 may distribute electricity at any desired voltage, but generally the secondary networked distribution system 14 distributes electricity at a relatively low voltage of, by way of non-limiting example, below about 2kV. In the United States, for example, the secondary networked distribution system 14 typically distributes electricity at 120V, 240V, or 480V. The secondary networked distribution system 14 distributes electricity to a plurality of consuming endpoints 16. The consuming endpoints 16 may comprise, for example, residences, commercial enterprises, and the like.
  • each consuming endpoint 16 may be coupled to the secondary networked distribution system 14 via a transformer 18 that steps the voltage of the secondary networked distribution system 14 down to a lower voltage, or, depending on the voltage of the secondary networked distribution system 14, may be directly coupled to the secondary networked distribution system 14 without a transformer 18.
  • the secondary networked distribution system 14 comprises a plurality of external node control devices (ENCDs) 20 e 1 - 20 e 6 (generally, ENCDs 20 e ) and internal node control devices (INCDs) 20,1 - 20,6 (generally, INCDs 20,).
  • ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20 are distant from one another and are located at corresponding nodes 22 of the secondary networked distribution system 14. Note that for purposes of clarity only some of the nodes 22 are labeled with element reference numerals.
  • Each node 22 is at a particular location 24 in particular geographical area serviced by the secondary networked distribution system 14. Note that for purposes of clarity only some of the locations 24 are labeled with element reference numerals.
  • the nodes 22 identify locations 24 of the secondary networked distribution system 14 where an electrical control or monitoring (ECOM) device 26 is located.
  • An ECOM device 26 can comprise any device that is configured to control, alter, halt, or monitor the electrical power on the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • An ECOM device 26 may comprise, by way of non-limiting example, a transformer, a switch, a fuse or a monitoring device. Note that for purposes of clarity only some of the ECOM devices 26 are labeled with element reference numerals.
  • networked distribution system refers to an electrical power distribution system that receives electrical power from multiple feeders 28-1 - 28-4 (generally, feeders 28) of the primary distribution system 12, and thus multiple feeders 28 provide electrical power to the same nodes 22.
  • An advantage of a networked distribution system is that if one feeder 28 goes down and fails to provide electrical power, the secondary networked distribution system 14 continues to receive electrical power from other feeders 28 such that the consuming endpoints 16 are not impacted by the feeder 28 that went down.
  • a disadvantage of a networked distribution system is the cost.
  • a networked distribution system is often utilized in highly dense areas, such as urban areas of metropolitan cities.
  • Each or many of the nodes 22 may include a transformer that steps down the voltage from the primary distribution system 12 to the desired voltage of the secondary networked distribution system 14. Each transformer provides the stepped down voltage to an electrical grid 30 of the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • an ECOM device 26-1 may comprise a transformer that receives electrical power from the feeder 28-1 , steps down the voltage, and provides the electrical power to the grid 30.
  • an ECOM device 26-2 may comprise a transformer that receives electrical power from the feeder 28-2, steps down the voltage, and provides the electrical power to the grid 30.
  • Each node 22 may contain any number of ECOM devices 26.
  • consuming endpoints 16 are illustrated as being coupled to the secondary networked distribution system 14 between two nodes 22, it will be appreciated that a consuming endpoint 16 may be coupled to the secondary networked distribution system 14 at a node 22.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 comprises a processing device 32, an off-grid communications interface 34 configured to communicate via an off-grid communications technology, and an on-grid communications interface 36 e configured to communicate over the grid 30 via an on-grid communications technology.
  • the on-grid communications interface 36 e may comprise an on-grid receiver module configured to receive messages from the grid 30, and an on-grid transmitter module configured to transmit messages onto the grid 30.
  • the off- grid communications technology may utilize any suitable communication medium such as a wired communication medium, a fiber communication medium, or a wireless communication medium.
  • the off-grid communications technology may utilize any public or proprietary protocol for communications.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 communicates via the off-grid communications interface 34 with a network 38 to which a number of other processing devices are coupled.
  • a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system 40 may be communicatively coupled to the network 38.
  • SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition
  • FIM feeder intelligence module
  • computing device 44 may be communicatively coupled to the network 38.
  • the ENCDs 20 e facilitate communications between one or more of the SCADA system 40, the FIM 42, the computing device 44, and the INCDs 20,. In one embodiment, use of the SCADA system 40 may be avoided through the mechanisms disclosed herein.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 is also communicatively coupled to an ECOM device 26 located at the node 22 at which the ENCD 20 e 3 is located. This relationship may be referred to herein as a correspondence between the ENCD 20 e 3 and the particular ECOM device 26 at the same location, such that each ENCD 20 e is communicatively coupled to a corresponding ECOM device 26 at the same location.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 is configured to communicate with the corresponding ECOM device 26 via a local communications interface 37 e using any suitable communications technology, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a wired or wireless local area network.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 may receive messages via the network 38 that direct the ENCD 20 e 3 to communicate with the corresponding ECOM device 26.
  • the ENCDs 20 e 1 , 20 e 2, and 20 e 4 - 20 e 6 are configured similarly to the ENCD 20 e 3, and are similarly
  • the INCD 20,3 comprises a processing device 46 and an on-grid communications interface 36, configured to communicate over the grid 30 via an on-grid communications technology. Unlike the ENCDs 20 e , the INCDs 20, may have no off-grid communications interface 34. Thus, in some embodiments, the INCDs 20i may communicate only over the grid 30 via an on-grid
  • the INCD 20,3 is also communicatively coupled to and configured to communicate via a local communications interface 37, with an ECOM device 26 co-located with the INCD 20,3 using any suitable
  • the INCDs 20,1 , 20,2, and 20,4 - 20,6 are configured similarly to the INCD 20,3, and are similarly communicatively coupled to a corresponding ECOM device 26.
  • the nodes 22 may be located in protected locations to prevent tampering. In urban environments, the nodes 22 may be located in underground vaults and may only be accessible via a manhole. Such
  • underground vaults typically inhibit wireless communications with devices above ground. Moreover, due to the prohibitive cost, underground vaults frequently do not have communication lines interconnecting the underground vaults. Thus, providing communications to the equipment in the underground vaults can be impossible, or, if available, is limited to conventional on-grid communications mechanisms that communicate with the secondary networked distribution system 14 via the primary distribution system 12. Unfortunately, such conventional on- grid communications are relatively costly and have many limitations. Moreover, due to the physical expanse of the secondary networked distribution system 14, some nodes 22 may simply be out of signal reach of a transmitter located on the primary distribution system 12.
  • the embodiments facilitate bi-directional communications on the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • Such bidirectional communications allow a device, such as the computing device 44, to control and/or monitor ECOM devices 26 located at each of the nodes 22.
  • Such actions can comprise any suitable actions that the ECOM devices 26 are configured to implement.
  • Such actions may also be coordinated such that the ECOM devices 26 perform actions in a particular sequence, or, the ECOM devices 26 may perform actions substantially concurrently.
  • the ENCDs 20 e are located at one or more nodes 22 and coupled to an off-grid communications mechanism. For example, fiber or electrical lines may be run to the locations 24 at which the ENCDs 20 e are located.
  • the number of locations 24 of the ENCDs 20 e may be a relatively small fraction of the number of locations 24 that house the INCDs 20,, such as 1 /100th, 1 /1000 th , or 1 /10th.
  • costs to run external communications to the nodes 22 that house the ENCDs 20 e are relatively minimal compared to the cost to run external communications to all the nodes 22.
  • the ENCDs 20 e communicate with the computing device 44, the SCADA system 40, and/or the FIM 42 via the respective off-grid communications interface 34 and the network 38.
  • the computing device 44 includes a processing device 48 and a memory 50.
  • the memory 50 may include a message control module 52 that implements some or all of the functionality described herein with regard to the computing device 44.
  • the message control module 52 may comprise complex software instructions, circuitry, and/or a combination of software instructions and circuitry.
  • the message control module 52 may be implemented in an applications-specific integrated circuit or a field programmable gate array.
  • the memory 50 may also include a network topology 54.
  • the network topology 54 includes information regarding the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20,, such as electronic device addresses of the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, to which messages may be addressed, the ECOM devices 26 in communication with the respective ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20,, locations of the ENCDs 20 e , INCDs 20i, and the ECOM devices 26, and the like.
  • the FIM 42 includes a processing device 56 and a memory 58.
  • the FIM 42 is communicatively coupled to the feeders 28, and thus can receive on- grid communications from the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20,. While downstream communications from higher voltage systems such as the primary distribution system 12 to lower voltage distribution systems such as the secondary networked distribution system 14 can be relatively costly and of limited
  • the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20 may send messages to the message control module 52 via the FIM 42 to, in part, implement the bi-directional communications disclosed herein.
  • the message control module 52 and the network topology 54 may be implemented in the FIM 42 rather than the computing device 44.
  • Each feeder 28 may have three phases separated by 120 degrees. Such phases are sometimes referred to as the "A phase,” the “B phase,” and the “C phase.”
  • the A phases from each feeder 28 are connected together; the B phases are connected together; and the C phases are connected together.
  • These interconnected phases facilitate parallel communication paths by which an ENCD 20 e or INCD 20, can send transmissions to the FIM 42.
  • these interconnected phases facilitate multiple communication paths between ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20,.
  • the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20 communicate over the grid 30 by an injection of a modulated current signal on one or more phases of the secondary networked distribution system 14 during message transmission, and by receipt of a modulated voltage signal on the same one or more phases during message reception.
  • the injection of the modulated current signal on a phase or phases creates a corresponding small modulated voltage signal or signals due to the impedance of the phase, or phases, at the point of injection as seen by the transmitting ENCD 20 e or INCD 20,.
  • This complex impedance varies by frequency of transmission, by voltage and phase angle of the mains power (for example, 120 volts, 240 volts, or 480 volts, at 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 400 Hz, or others), and by the consuming loads on the associated phase at the point of injection. It is this resultant modulated voltage signal that is used by the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, for reception.
  • both the modulated current signal and the modulated voltage signal propagate along an origin phase, or phases, in all possible directions from the point of injection, as well as along the interconnected phases and along any cross-coupled communication paths. Signals along the interconnected phases are attenuated more quickly than along the origin phase, which can result in a need for signal repeaters in some embodiments.
  • the current signal transmitted by either the ENCDs 20 e or the INCDs 20i propagates along the phase, or phases, and can be received at the FIM 42 in a substation that provides power to the secondary networked distribution system 14 by reception and demodulation of the current signal, or signals.
  • the current signal, or signals is available at the FIM 42 by monitoring 5 ampere (A) current loops of substation protection current transformers (CTs) which provide signal to a protection relay system and/or the SCADA system 40.
  • CTs substation protection current transformers
  • Each phase powering the secondary networked distribution system 14 has a corresponding CT. This monitoring can be achieved by placing a small signal CT on each of the 5A current loops and providing the output of the small signal CTs directly to the FIM 42.
  • the FIM 42 contains one or more demodulators in which each small signal CT is directly connected to the input of a corresponding demodulator.
  • the modulated current signal can be electrically or magnetically cross-coupled between phases. This further increases the number of communication paths at the feeder level while also creating a multiplicity of communications paths at the phases of the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • cross-coupling which is normally a problem in communications systems, can be exploited in the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • the modulated current signal can be implemented using a variety of modulation and demodulation methodologies, including, but not limited to: Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Multi-Frequency Shift Keying (MFSK), and the like.
  • BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying
  • QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
  • FSK Frequency Shift Keying
  • MFSK Multi-Frequency Shift Keying
  • multiple frequencies can be utilized, creating one or more discrete communications channels.
  • the channel, or channels may be further segmented using such techniques such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
  • Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for communicating on the secondary networked distribution system 14 according to one embodiment.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 receives, via the off-grid communications interface 34, a message from the computing device 44 (Figure 2, block 1000).
  • the message may be addressed to a particular INCD 20,, all INCDs 20,, or a group of INCDs 20,. In this example, assume that the message is destined for two particular INCDs 20,.
  • the message may contain an action, or a script of actions, that the two INCDs 20, are to perform.
  • the ENCD 20 e 3 re-transmits the message on the secondary networked distribution system 14 via the on-grid communications interface 36 e ( Figure 2, block 1002).
  • the on-grid The on-grid
  • communications interface 36 e may communicate over a particular phase of the secondary networked distribution system 14, or may communicate over all three phases of the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • the re-transmitted message may be identical to the received message, or the ENCD 20 e 3 may reformat the message for transmission on the grid 30. Because the INCDs 20, are all coupled to the grid 30, the INCDs 20, all receive the message substantially concurrently, such as within the amount of time it takes for a signal to propagate from the ENCD 20 e 3 to the INCD 20, farthest from the ENCD 20 e 3.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a message layout 60 of a message according to one embodiment.
  • the message layout 60 may be utilized by the computing device 44 to send messages to the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20j.
  • the message layout 60 includes a device address field 62 in which the computing device 44 may identify device addresses, or device identifiers, of particular ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20, to which the message may be specifically directed, if appropriate.
  • the computing device 44 may desire that an action be taken by one or more particular ENCDs 20 e and/or INCDs 20i, but not all ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20,.
  • the computing device 44 may then identify the particular ENCDs 20 e and/or INCDs 20, via the device address field 62.
  • the computing device 44 may utilize a broadcast device address in the device address field 62 to indicate that the message is directed to all ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20,.
  • multiple ENCDs 20 e and/or INCDs 20 may be identified by a particular group address in a group address field 64.
  • a group address is associated with a particular set, or group, of ENCDs 20 e and/or INCDs 20i that may, for certain actions, operate in conjunction to cause the action to occur.
  • the actions may be performed substantially concurrently or in a particular sequence.
  • the phrase "substantially concurrently” refers to actions that take place within a period of time less than or equal to a time it takes for a message transmitted on the grid 30 to reach each of the ENCDs 20 e and/or INCDs 20,. Generally, such time is a function of the greatest distance between any INCD 20, and the closest ENCD 20 e .
  • the computing device 44 may insert a unique message identifier (ID) in a message ID field 66 to uniquely identify messages communicated on the grid 30.
  • ID unique message identifier
  • the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20 may use the unique message ID in acknowledgement responses to indicate successful receipt of the message.
  • the computing device may insert a particular message in a message field 68.
  • the message may comport with any desired syntax and protocol known by the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20,.
  • a message type 70-1 includes an action or actions, or a script, and an indication that the action is to be taken or the script executed upon receipt (i.e., immediately).
  • the script may comprise a listing of actions and, in some embodiments, may comprise a language syntax that includes conditions, branches, and the like to control which actions are to be performed.
  • the actions may include instructions or control signals that the respective ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20, send to a corresponding ECOM device 26 co-located with the respective ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20,.
  • the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20 may, in response to the receipt of a message, control a corresponding ECOM device 26.
  • a message type 70-2 includes an action or actions, or a script, and an indication that the action is to be taken at a future time.
  • the future time may be a relative time offset from the time of receipt of the message, or may be a definite time.
  • a message type 70-3 includes an action or actions, or a script, and an indication that the action is to be taken at a future event. It should be apparent that the message layout 60 is but one possible message layout, and the embodiments are not limited to any particular message layout.
  • a scripting language (sometimes referred to as a rules- based language) facilitates the transmission of a sequence of commands which are executed by a receiving ENCD 20 e or INCD 20, upon an event or sequence of events, a particular date/time, a condition, or any combination thereof.
  • a script syntax and commands are provided below.
  • scripts may be sent to and retained by a receiving ENCD 20 e or INCD 20j.
  • Figures 4A - 4B illustrate a communication of messages on the secondary networked distribution system 14 according to one embodiment.
  • portions of the primary distribution system 1 2 have been omitted solely for purposes of clarity but are functional in the embodiments as described above.
  • Figures 4A - 4B also illustrate the nodes 22 a distance from the grid 30 solely to facilitate discussion of message communications on the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • a portion of the grid 30 is coupled to the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20i, as indicated by the dashed lines and circles extending from each node 22 to the grid 30.
  • the computing device 44 communicates a message 72 to the ENCDs 20 e at a time T1 .
  • the ENCDs 20 e receive the message 72 substantially concurrently.
  • Figure 4B illustrates each ENCD 20 e retransmitting the message 72 on the grid 30 beginning at a time T2 in response to receiving the message 72.
  • the ENCDs 20 e may communicate on the grid 30 using any desired protocol for communicating on a shared medium, including, by way of non-limiting example, a random transmission protocol, such as Aloha, or a slotted transmission protocol, such as slotted Aloha.
  • the ENCD 20 e may communicate messages individually to each INCD 20, .
  • the retransmitted message 72 may be a copy of the message 72 or may be reformatted by the ENCDs 20 e prior to retransmission. Note that because the grid 30 is a shared medium, the retransmitted message 72 is received
  • each INCD 20 may receive the retransmitted message 72 multiple times. Further note that the strength of the retransmitted message 72 may differ depending on the distance between the nearest transmitting ENCD 20 e and the respective INCD 20,.
  • the message 72 may have been identified by the computing device 44 as a broadcast message that is destined for each INCD 20,, may have been addressed to one or more specified INCDs 20,, or may have been directed to a group of INCDs 20, utilizing a group address.
  • Each INCD 20, receives the retransmitted message 72, examines the retransmitted message 72 to determine whether the retransmitted message 72 is intended for the INCD 20,, and if so, performs the action indicated in the retransmitted message 72.
  • FIGs 5A - 5B illustrate a store-and-forward communication of messages on the secondary networked distribution system 14 according to another embodiment.
  • each ENCD 20 e received the message 72 from the computing device 44.
  • each ENCD 20 e retransmits the message 72 on the grid 30 in response to receiving the message 72.
  • the retransmitted message 72 may be a copy of the message 72 or may be reformatted by the ENCDs 20 e prior to retransmission.
  • the grid 30 is a shared medium, the retransmitted message 72 is received substantially concurrently be each of the INCDs 20i.
  • each INCD 20 may receive the retransmitted message 72 multiple times. Further note that the strength of the retransmitted message 72 may differ depending on the distance between the nearest transmitting ENCD 20 e and the respective INCD 20,.
  • the INCDs 20,1 and 20,4 again retransmit the message 72 on the grid 30.
  • the retransmitted message 72 is received by the INCD 20,2, the INCD 20,3, the INCD 20,5, and the INCD 20,6.
  • the INCDs 20,2 and 20,5 again retransmit the message 72 on the grid 30.
  • the message 72 is repeatedly propagated along the grid 30 by the INCDs 20,. This ensures that INCDs 20, farther from a transmitting ENCD 20 e ultimately receive the message 72, irrespective of the distance of the INCD 20i from the nearest ENCD 20 e .
  • the ENCDs 20 e may communicate on the grid 30 using any desired protocol for communicating on a shared medium, including, by way of non-limiting example, a random transmission protocol, such as Aloha, or a slotted transmission protocol, such as slotted Aloha.
  • each downstream INCD 20 is illustrated as retransmitting the message 72
  • only certain INCDs 20i may retransmit the message 72.
  • it may be determined, based on testing the grid 30, that certain INCDs 20, will receive the retransmitted message 72 from the ENCDs 20 e , and others, due to distance and/or noise, will not.
  • only particular INCDs 20, nearest those INCDs 20, that do not receive the original message 72 may be configured to retransmit the message 72.
  • the INCDs 20,1 , 20,2, 20,4, and 20,5 will receive the retransmitted message 72 with sufficient signal strength from the original retransmissions of the ENCD 20 e , but that the INCDs 20,3, 20,6 will not. It is further determined that the INCDs 20,3, 20,6 do receive messages 72 retransmitted from the INCDs 20,2, 20,5. In this situation, only the INCDs 20,2, 20j5 may be configured to retransmit the message 72.
  • the appropriate retransmission by the INCDs 20i may be determined dynamically or heuristically.
  • the computing device 44 may determine which INCDs 20i routinely receive the initial retransmission of a message 72 from the ENCDs 20 e , and which INCDs 20, do not.
  • the computing device 44 may access the network topology 54, determine which INCDs 20, are closest to those INCDs 20i that do not receive the initial retransmission of a message 72 from the ENCDs 20 e , and send such closest INCDs 20, a configuration instruction that configures the INCDs 20, to retransmit messages 72 on the grid 30.
  • the originating sender of the message 72 may determine whether the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, to which the message 72 was destined received the message 72. In one embodiment, this determination may be made using a negative acknowledgement by exception protocol, wherein the computing device 44 determines that the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, to which the message 72 was destined received the message 72, unless a NACK is sent from the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20,. Thus, in this embodiment, if no NACK is received by the computing device 44 within a predetermined timeframe, the computing device 44 makes a determination that the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, to which the message 72 was destined received the message 72.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a mechanism for determining that the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, received a message 72 according to another embodiment.
  • each ENCD 20 e and INCD 20, to which the message 72 was destined sends an ACK 76 upon successful receipt of the message 72.
  • the ACKs 76 may contain, for example, a device ID identifying the particular INCD 20i, as well as the message ID of the message 72.
  • the INCDs 20 Upon receiving the message 72, the INCDs 20, send an ACK 76 over the grid 30 via the secondary networked distribution system 14 to the primary distribution system 12.
  • the FIM 42 monitors and analyzes signals on the primary distribution system 12 and receives the ACKs 76.
  • the FIM 42 may communicate the ACKs 76 to the computing device 44.
  • the computing device 44 may maintain information regarding each message ID and which INCDs 20, and ENCDs 20 e have sent ACKs 76, and thereby may determine which INCDs 20, and ENCDs 20 e have received the message 72. While not illustrated in Figure 6, each ENCD 20 e may similarly communicate an ACK 76 over the grid 30 via the secondary networked distribution system 14 to the primary distribution system 12, or, alternatively, may send an ACK 76 directly to the computing device 44 using respective off-grid communications interfaces 34.
  • FIGs 7A - 7B illustrate a mechanism for determining that the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, have successfully received a message 72 according to another embodiment.
  • the message 72 was identified as a broadcast message by the computing device 44 and was destined for each ENCD 20 e and INCD 20,.
  • each INCD 20 upon receipt of the message 72, each INCD 20, generates an ACK 76, as described above, and transmits the ACK 76 onto the grid 30.
  • the ENCDs 20 e receive the ACKs 76.
  • each ENCD 20 e retransmits the ACKS 76 to the computing device 44 using the off-grid
  • the communications interface 34 may also retransmit received ACKs 76. Because each ENCD 20 e may be unaware of which ACKs 76 are being retransmitted by the other ENCDs 20 e , the computing device 44 may receive multiple copies of an ACK 76 from the same INCD 20,.
  • Figures 8A - 8B illustrate a mechanism for synchronizing actions among multiple INCDs 20, according to one embodiment.
  • the computing device 44 generates a message 72 destined for the INCDs 20,4, 20,5.
  • the message 72 identifies an action that should be taken by the INCDs 20,4, 20,5 substantially concurrently.
  • the ENCDs 20 e receive the message and transmit the message 72 onto the grid 30.
  • the INCDs 20,4 and 20,5 receive the message and may transmit ACKs 76, as discussed above, to indicate receipt.
  • the message 72 in this example, is a message type 70-3 ( Figure 3) and indicates that the action should be performed by the INCDs 20,4, 20j5 upon the occurrence of a future event.
  • the future event is identified as the detection of a tone on the grid 30.
  • the INCDs 20,4, 20,5 listen, such as by monitoring, to the grid 30 for the presence of the tone.
  • Figure 8A illustrates the computing device 44 sending a message 72A that is destined for the ENCD 20 e 2. The message indicates that upon receipt of the message 72A, the ENCD 20 e 2 should apply a tone to the grid 30.
  • Figure 8B illustrates the ENCD 20 e 2 receiving the message 72A and applying a tone 78 to the grid 30. Because the grid 30 is a shared medium, the tone 78 is received by the INCDs 20,4, 20j5 substantially concurrently.
  • the computing device 44 may send a series of messages to different ENCDs 20 e and INCDs 20, that identify different actions to be processed in sequence. The communication of such messages and determinations of receipt of such messages may be accomplished by one or more of the methods discussed above. Each message may designate that the respective action be performed at a particular time, and each time may differ to ensure the actions are performed in a proper sequence.
  • the ENCDs 20 e and the INCDs 20, may periodically synchronize internal clocks so that such clocks are within a predetermined synchronization. Such synchronization may be accomplished in any desired manner.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the computing device 44 according to one embodiment.
  • the computing device 44 may comprise any computing or processing device capable of including firmware, hardware, and/or executing software instructions to implement the functionality described herein, such as a computer server, workstation, or the like.
  • the computing device 44 may be a special-purpose computing system designed to implement communications power system communications as disclosed herein.
  • the computing device 44 includes the processing device 48, the system memory 50, and a system bus 80.
  • the system bus 80 provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 50 and the processing device 48.
  • the processing device 48 can be any commercially available or proprietary processor.
  • the system bus 80 may be any of several types of bus structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
  • the system memory 50 may include non-volatile memory 82 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.) and/or volatile memory 84 (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)).
  • a basic input/output system (BIOS) 86 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 82, and may include basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computing device 44.
  • the volatile memory 84 may also include a high-speed RAM, such as static RAM for caching data.
  • the computing device 44 may further include or be coupled to a computer-readable storage 88, which may comprise, for example, an internal or external hard disk drive (HDD) (e.g., enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)), HDD (e.g., EIDE or SATA) for storage, flash memory, or the like.
  • HDD enhanced integrated drive electronics
  • SATA serial advanced technology attachment
  • the computer-readable storage 88 and other drives associated with computer-readable media and computer-usable media may provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer- executable instructions, and the like.
  • a number of modules can be stored in the computer-readable storage 88 and in the volatile memory 84, including an operating system 90 and one or more program modules 92, which may implement the functionality described herein in whole or in part. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems 90 or combinations of operating systems 90.
  • All or a portion of the embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product stored on a transitory or non-transitory computer- usable or computer-readable storage medium, such as the computer-readable storage 88, which includes complex programming instructions, such as complex computer-readable program code, configured to cause the processing device 48 to carry out the steps described herein.
  • the computer-readable program code can comprise software instructions for implementing the functionality of the embodiments described herein when executed on the processing device 48.
  • the processing device 48 in conjunction with the program modules 92 in the volatile memory 84, may serve as a controller for the computing device 44 that is configured to, or adapted to, implement the functionality described herein.
  • the computing device 44 may also include a communications interface 94 suitable for communicating with the network 38.
  • FIG 10 is a block diagram of an ENCD 20 e according to one embodiment.
  • the ENCD 20 e may comprise any computing or processing device capable of including firmware, hardware, and/or executing software instructions to implement the functionality described herein.
  • the ENCD 20 e may be a special-purpose computing device designed to implement communications power system communications as disclosed herein.
  • the ENCD 20 e includes the processing device 46, a system memory 100, and a system bus 102.
  • the system bus 102 provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 100 and the processing device 46.
  • the processing device 46 can be any commercially available or proprietary processor.
  • the system bus 102 may be any of several types of bus structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
  • the system memory 100 may include non-volatile memory 104 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.) and/or volatile memory 106 (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)).
  • non-volatile memory 104 e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.
  • volatile memory 106 e.g., random-access memory (RAM)
  • a basic input/output system (BIOS) 108 may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 104, and may include the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the ENCD 20 e .
  • the volatile memory 106 may also include a high-speed RAM, such as static RAM for caching data.
  • the ENCD 20 e may further include or be coupled to a computer- readable storage 1 10, which may comprise, for example, an internal or external hard disk drive (HDD) (e.g., enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)), HDD (e.g., EIDE or SATA) for storage, flash memory, or the like.
  • HDD enhanced integrated drive electronics
  • SATA serial advanced technology attachment
  • the computer-readable storage 1 10 and other drives associated with computer-readable media and computer-usable media may provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer- executable instructions, and the like.
  • a number of modules can be stored in the computer-readable storage 1 10 and in the volatile memory 106, including an operating system 1 12 and one or more program modules 1 14, which may implement the functionality described herein in whole or in part. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems 1 12 or combinations of operating systems 1 12.
  • All or a portion of the embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product stored on a transitory or non-transitory computer- usable or computer-readable storage medium, such as the computer-readable storage 1 10, which includes complex programming instructions, such as complex computer-readable program code, configured to cause the processing device 46 to carry out the steps described herein.
  • the computer-readable program code can comprise software instructions for implementing the functionality of the embodiments described herein when executed on the processing device 46.
  • the processing device 46 in conjunction with the program modules 1 14 in the volatile memory 106, may serve as a controller for the ENCD 20 e that is configured to, or adapted to, implement the functionality described herein.
  • the ENCD 20 e may also include the local communications interface 37 e that is configured to communicate with the corresponding ECOM device 26, the off-grid communications interface 34 that is configured to communicate with the network 38, and the on-grid communications interface 36 e that is configured to communicate with the grid 30 of the secondary networked distribution system 14.
  • An INCD 20 may be configured similarly to that discussed above with respect to the ENCD 20 e , except the INCD 20, may not have an off-grid communications interface 34.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Cable Transmission Systems, Equalization Of Radio And Reduction Of Echo (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des mécanismes pour des communications bidirectionnelles sur un système de distribution en réseau secondaire électrique. Un premier dispositif de commande de nœud périphérique (ENCD) reçoit, par l'intermédiaire d'une interface de communication hors réseau, un message. Le premier ENCD est couplé en communication au système de distribution en réseau secondaire, et le système de distribution en réseau secondaire fournit de l'électricité à une pluralité de points d'extrémité de consommation. Le procédé consiste en outre à retransmettre, en réponse à la réception du message, par le premier ENCD sur le système de distribution en réseau secondaire, le message à une pluralité de dispositifs de commande de nœud interne couplés en communication au système de distribution en réseau secondaire à une pluralité d'emplacements.
EP15865305.5A 2014-12-03 2015-12-03 Communications bidirectionnelles sur un système de distribution en réseau secondaire électrique Withdrawn EP3228017A4 (fr)

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US201462086980P 2014-12-03 2014-12-03
PCT/US2015/063752 WO2016090146A1 (fr) 2014-12-03 2015-12-03 Communications bidirectionnelles sur un système de distribution en réseau secondaire électrique

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JP (1) JP2018504872A (fr)
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BR (1) BR112017011650A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2968091A1 (fr)
CL (1) CL2017001394A1 (fr)
CO (1) CO2017006538A2 (fr)
MX (1) MX2017006836A (fr)
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WO2013009420A1 (fr) 2011-06-09 2013-01-17 Power Tagging Technologies, Inc. Système et procédé pour cybersécurité à base de réseau électrique
WO2013020053A1 (fr) 2011-08-03 2013-02-07 Power Tagging Technologies, Inc. Système et procédés permettant de synchroniser des dispositifs périphériques sur des canaux sans détection de porteuse
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CA2915066A1 (fr) 2013-06-13 2014-12-18 Astrolink International Llc Pertes non techniques dans un reseau de distribution d'electricite
EP3008829B1 (fr) 2013-06-13 2019-08-07 Astrolink International LLC Déduction de la ligne d'alimentation et de la phase d'alimentation d'un émetteur
BR112017009037A2 (pt) 2014-10-30 2018-07-03 Astrolink International Llc sistema, método e aparelho para localização de rede
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AU2015358448A1 (en) 2017-06-08
CL2017001394A1 (es) 2017-12-15
CA2968091A1 (fr) 2016-06-09
CN107210953A (zh) 2017-09-26
MX2017006836A (es) 2017-08-14
US20160164287A1 (en) 2016-06-09
CO2017006538A2 (es) 2017-07-11
BR112017011650A2 (pt) 2018-06-26
JP2018504872A (ja) 2018-02-15
EP3228017A4 (fr) 2018-05-30
AU2015358448B2 (en) 2019-10-03
PE20171303A1 (es) 2017-09-05
WO2016090146A1 (fr) 2016-06-09

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